Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Wednesday, August 27, 10:36 AM

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio was non-committal on whether running back Joe Mixon (ankle) will play during the 2025 season when asked at a Wednesday press conference, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston. The veteran back is on the reserve/non-football injury list, meaning he will miss at least the first four games, but the Texans haven't seemed especially optimistic about his return. Caserio said Mixon will be evaluated after four weeks, but ultimately answered, 'We'll see,' when asked if the running back would come back this season. Houston signed Nick Chubb, still rosters Dameon Pierce, and drafted Woody Marks earlier this year to round out its backfield.

Saturday, September 6, 1:00 AM

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt's role in the backfield is still unclear for Week 1 against the Giants. Croskey-Merritt, or who many now refer to as "Bill," was recently listed as RB4 on the team's unofficial depth chart. It becomes a question of whether the Washington coaching staff opts to keep four running backs active on gameday. Austin Ekeler will be in line to see most of the snaps, while Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols could also be in the mix for touches and play special teams. He is the most explosive and shifty runner in Washington's running back room, which should lead to some touches even if he isn't the starter right away. Croskey-Merritt has been one of the more trendy names of draft season, and he is one of the better upside picks to take. However, the usage is tough to predict for Week 1 and should likely stay on benches.